6 of the Best Adults-Only Hotels on the Beach in Costa Rica

Escaping to a tropical beach destination with your loved one is innately romantic. Make that destination Costa Rica, a Central American country bursting with lush rainforests, hot springs, and teeming wildlife, and your romance reset is all but guaranteed. And while Costa Rica's laid-back cool factor is well known, you could always go a step further still by booking a Costa Rican beach resort with a no-kids-allowed policy in place, so you can indulge in poolside cocktails, sunrise yoga on the beach, or open-air massages without a noisy little one in sight (or earshot). Take a look at the top adults-only beachfront hotels in Costa Rica.

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is a romantic all-inclusive with a beachfront spot on the Gulf of Papagayo. In fact, it's the only major hotel located on Playa Arenilla, so guests have this stretch of soft sands almost completely to themselves. There are also two pools -- a two-tier main pool with a swim-up bar and a picturesque spa pool -- as well as a host of other features, like a well-equipped fitness center, a huge spa, and lots of free activities. Round-the-clock room service is included in rates, as is dining at the buffet and six a la carte restaurants. The 202 rooms are as polished and modern as the facilities: all have elegant decor and big, beautiful bathrooms, along with thoughtful features like special two-sided compartments for room service delivery.

Set high above the Pacific Ocean in a 12-acre wildlife sanctuary, Makanda by the Sea is one of the most intimate, exclusive, and secluded hotels in Manuel Antonio. You could describe this property as a luxurious treehouse village: Its elevated location creates a sense of floating among the treetops, and the fact that the grounds are full of flora and fauna (hibiscuses and heliconias, monkeys and macaws) only adds to the seclusion. Accessing the hotel’s exclusive beach at Playa Biesanz requires a steep, 20-minute trek each way, though free golf cart service is available. Closer to home are Makanda's well-reviewed gourmet poolside restaurant, swim-up sushi bar, and intimate spa. The 27 chic and spacious come with premium minibars and panoramic balconies, and villas add kitchenettes and ocean-view plunge pools.

The surrounding town of Tamarindo is buzzing, but the vibe at the 43-room Jardin del Eden boutique hotel is that of a serene, hidden-away paradise. Hotel grounds are lush with meticulously landscaped vegetation and buildings and interiors have an earthy-chic appearance due to rattan furnishings and abundant thatched roofing. Jardin del Eden plays up the luxury hideaway angle at every possible opportunity, with secret pathways, a private garden with gated access, and a lagoon pool barely visible amid the greenery.

This intimate bed-and-breakfast’s name means “dream of the sea,” and stepping through the arched wooden doorway and onto the lush beachfront property does feel like entering an enchanting little world. The four hacienda-style rooms and two casitas feature distinctive Central American decor, whitewashed walls, and vaulted wooden ceilings. The airy breakfast patio is a pleasant place to enjoy the hearty, well-above average breakfast; take in views of the garden; or settle in with a book. Hammocks and lounge chairs are dotted throughout the garden and pool area and stretch down to the beach, creating many shady, private seating areas. Expect to see local wildlife, like iguanas, blue jays, geckos, and howler monkeys. Note that Sueno del Mar does allow guests 13 and older.

While Sueno del Mar oozes local charm, Occidental Papagayo - Adults only is the kind of cookie-cutter all-inclusive resort you could find anywhere in the world. But that isn’t necessarily a bad thing -- the resort’s facilities are in good condition, the pool offers plenty of space for lounging and swimming, and there are tons of activities to keep guests busy. And while the easy-going resort does offer free-flowing liquor and many places to drink it, the atmosphere is geared more toward couples looking to relax rather than those looking to party. If you’re after an affordable, hassle-free all-inclusive experience without any kids around, the Occidental Papagayo delivers.

Wondering about the vibe at this adults-only hotel on Jaco Beach? Here's a hint. Copacabana Hotel & Suites has two pools: one where clothing is optional, and one where nudity is required. The point is that open-minded swingers and singles of all ages should feel happy at this playful party spot. The poolside sports bar, called the Naked Iguana, offers music or entertainment until the wee hours, and the (non-clothing-optional) beach is a nice respite for those wanting to escape the party scene.